Former British and Irish Lions star and Wales international Rhys Webb visited Shipston Rugby Club to lead a coaching session, and your club could be next.
Organised by RUCK and Murley Auto, the event saw Webb work with the club’s Colts before joining the first XV for a session packed with advice from the highest level of the game.
Now, RUCK wants to bring similar opportunities to more grassroots clubs. If you are involved with a local side, sign up to our newsletter for the chance to welcome a former international to your club.
Webb came through the Ospreys academy before making his senior debut in 2008.
He went on to become one of Wales’ leading scrum-halves, spending a decade with the region before moving to French giants Toulon in 2018.
A short spell with Bath followed in 2020, before he returned to the Ospreys.
On the international stage, Webb made his Wales debut against Italy in 2012 and went on to win 31 caps. He also earned selection for the British and Irish Lions' 2017 tour of New Zealand, featuring in two Tests and scoring a try.
His move to France limited his international opportunities under Welsh Rugby Union selection rules. Webb returned to the Wales set-up in 2020 before announcing his retirement from international rugby in May 2023.
Speaking about the visit, Webb said: “Shipston is a fantastic club with a brilliant community feel. It’s not just about rugby here, it’s about bringing people together, helping players develop and making sure everyone feels welcome.
"That’s what makes grassroots rugby so special. I’m really enjoying the opportunity to get involved in coaching today and hopefully pass on some of the things I’ve learned throughout my career.
"The enthusiasm around the club is great to see, and it’s exciting to be part of that.”
Shipston has a strong connection to the professional game, with Northampton Saints duo George Hendy and Fin Smith both having played for the club during their younger years.
Saints were crowned PREM Rugby champions last season, underlining the importance of grassroots clubs in developing the next generation of talent.
Shipston vice-captain Fergus Smithers also praised Webb's impact on the session.
"It was really good to have Rhys down today. His experience was shown and some of the lads really took things away from it.
"He brought good energy to the session, and it was good to see how he brought his experience to our game.
"There's a big difference between the levels that he played and the levels that we play, but he brought a lot of good stuff to the team and overall a great experience and really good to have him down here."
RUCK hopes to organise more sessions at grassroots clubs across the country, giving players the chance to learn from former internationals and gain valuable insight into the professional game.
If your club would be interested in taking part, sign up to the RUCK newsletter for the chance to get involved.
To anyone looking to get involved in this initiative, feel free to contact RUCK.
